A look at 7 great rock bands from Nashville

PUJOL

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Transplants like Jack White, The Black Keys and Kings of Leon have helped bring the spotlight to Nashville’s thriving — but long ignored — rock ’n’ roll scene. Country may still be king in Nashville, but there are plenty of emerging rockers leading a revolution.

Here’s a look at a handful of notable groups gaining traction on the national scene:

PUJOL

As one of Nashville’s most literate rockers, you can usually find Daniel Pujol with a book in hand and always ready for a deep discussion. He name-drops Robespierre and the Magna Carta with a snarling growl over sugary power trio grooves on his latest album, “United States of Being.” Website: http://pujoldotcom.com .

Natural Child

This trio of blues-rocking scene veterans is releasing two albums this year — “Hard in Heaven” was released Tuesday — and they really are twice the fun. Steeped in early 1970s rock and a let-it-roll attitude, this band might provide Nashville’s best live show, complete with mosh pit and crowd surfing. Facebook: http://on.fb.me/PNyjXW .

Heavy Cream

This is not just a male-dominated scene. With guitars dialed up to fuzz, the all-female quartet Heavy Cream is louder and more abrasive than the boys in town. Ty Segall produced their latest, “Super Treatment.” Facebook: http://on.fb.me/a0FqF2 .

The Features

This quartet from nearby Murfreesboro is nearing the 20-year mark and has long been a local favorite. They’re getting a much-deserved push outside the Nashville area thanks to their association with Kings of Leon’s Serpent and Snakes Record. Website: http://thefeatures.com.

JEFF the Brotherhood

This two-piece group composed of the Orrall brothers — Jake on three-string guitar and Jamin on drums — moves effortlessly from Black Sabbath- and Hawkwind-flavored heaviness to updated punk. Their most recent album, “Hypnotic Nights,” was produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, which should help the brothers gain more exposure around the country. Website: http://jeffthebrotherhood.com .

Turbo Fruits

Lead singer Jonas Stein — once a teen sensation with Be Your Own Pet — has assembled a tight unit after years of a sliding lineup that makes this four-piece one of Nashville’s most exciting acts, regardless of genre. Jim Eno of Spoon produced the band’s scorching new classic rock-flavored album, “Butter,” released Tuesday. Website: http://turbofruits.com

Diarrhea Planet

This pungently named six-piece features four guitarists (sometimes five!) and was recently cited for violating the city’s noise ordinance. “Guilty as charged,” lead singer Jordan Smith proclaims. Buried beneath the volume is a devious sense of humor. Facebook: http://on.fb.me/QijN50 .